Parkinson’s UK’s Grantham branch is celebrating its 40th year supporting local people who are living with the condition and their loved ones. The branch arranges regular meetings, outings and activities and provides information, advice, support and friendship for people with Parkinson’s and their friends, family and carers.
The Grantham branch is regularly attended by many people from the local community living with Parkinson’s, and to mark its 40th anniversary, the group arranged a celebration lunch for everyone to come together and share their favourite memories of the group.
The 40th Anniversary event was held at the Guildhall in Grantham in May. 80 people attended, including the Mayor Parkinson’s UK’s Chief Executive Caroline Rassell and Brenda Kinnish, a founding member of the group.
Debbie Gaskell, Local Volunteer Officer at Parkinson’s UK, said: “Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s can be a shock and adapting to life with the condition can be hard for the person involved and their loved ones too. But we know that getting the right information and support at the right time can make all the difference.
“That’s why it’s important to celebrate that the Grantham branch has been running for over 40 years. The group has such an important part to play for those people in Lincolnshire, and hope to be part of the local community for many more years to come.”
The group meets regularly every Wednesday, the first Wednesday of each month venue varies and the second, third and fourth are at the Church Hall of St John the Evangelist, Manthorpe, 10 High Road, Grantham, NG31 8NF. The sessions start at 1.30pm and finish at 3pm. The meetings include various speakers as well as many activities such as singing sessions, tennis, exercise to music and many social outings.
Caroline Rassell, CEO at Parkinson’s UK, said: “The Grantham branch demonstrates the strength and resilience of the Parkinson’s community. Their tight-knit support network, built over 40 years, just shows you the power of unity and compassion in facing challenges together. We applaud their dedication and support throughout the years, which continue to uplift and inspire us all.”
Speaking about the anniversary celebrations, Ian Askew, Branch Chair of the Grantham Branch, said: “The celebration lunch was a great afternoon with a wonderful atmosphere, enjoyed by everybody and it was fantastic to have a number of special guests join us, including Brenda who started the branch 40 years ago, the Mayor and Caroline Rassell, CEO at Parkinson’s UK.
“I have been attending the Grantham Branch for almost five years, and it has been wonderful to see the group and activities continue to flourish. It’s been a great opportunity to meet other people in similar situations, and share experiences, make friendships, and to be able to offer a range of regular physical activity sessions which are of such benefit to the Parkinson’s Community.”
Around 153,000 people in the UK are living with Parkinson’s, including around 11,000 people in the East Midlands.
Image: Members of Parkinson’s UK’s Grantham branch celebrate 40 years of support at a special anniversary lunch
